Opened in 1903 to link the market town of Welshpool to the rural community of Llanfair Caereinion, this 2 foot 6 inch narrow gauge steam railway now provides a tourist service for all the family and a welcome change from the rush of everyday life. Built as a Light Railway to avoid some of the costs of railway construction, the narrow gauge allows for tight curves and steep gradients, enabling the line to follow the contours of the countryside. Most of our trains are steam hauled, either by one of our unique original locomotives or one from abroad. The carriages too are special; those in regular use being from Hungary and Austria with access to the enclosed seating area via an open balcony - a great way to watch the world go by.

Your journey begins on the edge of the historic market town of Welshpool. Right from the start it is all action as the train battles up the notoriously steep Golfa Bank accompanied by the sound of the locomotive echoing off the hills.

From the open balconies of our unique Hungarian and Austrian coaches you will see the beautiful mid Wales countryside roll slowly by as you travel into the delightful Banwy Valley.

Your train will be hauled by either one of our historic steam locomotives which include 'The Earl' and 'The Countess' supplied new to the railway in 1902 or one of our other operational steam locomotives were built for use in Sierra Leone and Romania.

As your journey unfolds through this picturesque part of Wales you may well see deer, hawks and even otters. As you approach your journey's end the train travels along the River Banwy into Llanfair Caereinion. Here you can visit our shop, have a snack in the Tea Room or chat to our friendly staff who are happy to answer any questions. Or you may just want to take a leisurely stroll by the river.

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

Details

Opened in 1903 to link the market town of Welshpool to the rural community of Llanfair Caereinion, this 2 foot 6 inch narrow gauge steam railway now provides a tourist service for all the family and a welcome change from the rush of everyday life. Built as a Light Railway to avoid some of the costs of railway construction, the narrow gauge allows for tight curves and steep gradients, enabling the line to follow the contours of the countryside. Most of our trains are steam hauled, either by one of our unique original locomotives or one from abroad. The carriages too are special; those in regular use being from Hungary and Austria with access to the enclosed seating area via an open balcony - a great way to watch the world go by.

Your journey begins on the edge of the historic market town of Welshpool. Right from the start it is all action as the train battles up the notoriously steep Golfa Bank accompanied by the sound of the locomotive echoing off the hills.

From the open balconies of our unique Hungarian and Austrian coaches you will see the beautiful mid Wales countryside roll slowly by as you travel into the delightful Banwy Valley.

Your train will be hauled by either one of our historic steam locomotives which include 'The Earl' and 'The Countess' supplied new to the railway in 1902 or one of our other operational steam locomotives were built for use in Sierra Leone and Romania.

As your journey unfolds through this picturesque part of Wales you may well see deer, hawks and even otters. As you approach your journey's end the train travels along the River Banwy into Llanfair Caereinion. Here you can visit our shop, have a snack in the Tea Room or chat to our friendly staff who are happy to answer any questions. Or you may just want to take a leisurely stroll by the river.

Please note that the Raven Square Station, Welshpool is closed during the winter.

For group travel at discounted rates please contact the station.
We like to know in advance (if possible) if customers who use wheelchairs are travelling with us. This is because our guards can give extra help and make our wheelchair lifts available for easy access to the carriages.

Address

Location

Directions

By Rail - The Welshpool Raven Square Station is approx. 1 mile from the mainline (Shrewsbury - Machynlleth - Aberystwyth) station. Passengers arriving by rail should head towards the center of town and continue straight ahead at the crossroads. Beyond here the road begins to climb before dropping back down to the roundabout at Raven Square.

By Road - Both the main stations are located adjacent to the A458 main road. Welshpool Raven Square station (Postcode is SY21 7LT) is at the west end of the town (follow the brown signs or A458 Machynlleth / Dolgellau).

Llanfair Caereinion station (Postcode SY21 0SF) is at the east end of the town. Coming in from the east (Welshpool end) on the A45, the station is first on the left immediately after the 30mph speed restriction starts. From the west continue on the A458 and follow the brown signs.

There is plenty of free parking at both Welshpool and Llanfair Caereinion stations. Please note that there are no car parks at the intermediate stations.

For group travel at discounted rates please contact the station.
We like to know in advance (if possible) if customers who use wheelchairs are travelling with us. This is because our guards can give extra help and make our wheelchair lifts available for easy access to the carriages.

Self-Assessed Accessibility Details

Parking

Designated parking for guests with disabilities

The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:

is gravel

Drop-off point for guests outside entrance

The route from the parking area to the entrance:

Has a ramp

Public Areas

Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:

From the entrance to reception / ticket area

To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users

To the gift shop

Baby changing facilities

General

Seating available for visitors with limited mobility

Wheelchairs provided

Free

Audible alarm system

Entrance

Ramp to entrance

Entrance is well lit

Food

Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria

Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair

Children's menu

Notes

We have two main stations, which makes filling this form a little harder. In general we would say that the disabled parking at Welshpool is a little more convenient than Llanfair for wheelchair users as it is near to the main entrance ( at Llanfair it is a little over 50m away). We have lifts for wheelchairs at both ends to help customers alight the carriages. Advance notice of customers using standard sized wheelchairs is not necessary, but much appreciated. Most standard carriages are accessible by standard sized wheelchairs and some have been adapted to take wider and electric wheelchairs. These are not always available, please check before travel.